Teachers’ Day in China: Date, Meaning, and Traditions

Teachers’ Day in China is celebrated on September 10 to honor educators and their role in society. This article explains its history, key traditions, popular gifts, and cultural etiquette, while introducing useful Chinese phrases and vocabulary to help learners express gratitude naturally.

I. What Is Teachers’ Day in China?

Teachers’ Day in China, known as 教师节 (Jiàoshī Jié), is a national observance held every year on September 10, celebrating the contributions and dedication of teachers across the country. It is a time when students, parents, and schools formally express respect, gratitude, and appreciation toward educators.

The Origins of Teachers’ Day in China

• While the idea of honoring teachers goes back thousands of years in Chinese Confucian tradition, the modern Teachers’ Day was officially established in 1985 by the Chinese government. The decision emphasized the importance of raising the social status of teachers and promoting respect for education in society.

• Historically, September 10 was chosen so the occasion could occur early in the school year, allowing students to begin the semester on a respectful and grateful note. It also avoids overlap with other national holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival or National Day.

• Before this, various dates were suggested—including Confucius’s birthday on September 28—but the Ministry of Education ultimately endorsed September 10 to align with the academic calendar and focus on contemporary teaching.

Why China’s Teachers’ Day Is Not on October 5 Like UNESCO’s

Many people are surprised to learn that World Teachers’ Day, recognized by UNESCO, falls on October 5—yet China has its own, separate celebration. The reason lies in China’s desire to emphasize its own cultural and institutional values. Rather than adopting a global standard, China chose a day that reflects the country’s emphasis on education as a pillar of development and national progress.

By creating its own Teachers’ Day, China also reinforces the traditional Confucian value of 尊师重道 (zūn shī zhòng dào), which means "respect the teacher and value the Way.” This deep-rooted cultural principle has shaped Chinese education for centuries and continues to be reflected in modern practices.

Teachers’ Day is not a public holiday, but it is widely observed in schools and communities through meaningful ceremonies, personalized gifts, and public recognition of teachers at all levels—from kindergarten to university.

II. How Is Teachers’ Day Celebrated in China?

Teachers’ Day in China is not a public holiday, but it is a highly respected and widely celebrated occasion throughout the country. Both students and institutions take this opportunity to show appreciation to teachers in personal and meaningful ways.

School and University Activities

In primary and secondary schools, Teachers’ Day is typically marked with themed activities organized by students and schools. These can include:

• Morning assemblies or ceremonies where teachers are publicly thanked or presented with certificates of recognition.

• Class representatives reading letters of gratitude on behalf of their classmates.

• Cultural performances or student-choreographed programs dedicated to teachers.

Some schools may also organize essay contests or art competitions around the theme of respect for teachers and education.

At the university level, students may greet their professors with small messages or traditional phrases, but formal celebrations tend to be more understated than in lower grades. In some institutions, faculty recognition ceremonies are held internally to celebrate teaching excellence.

Popular Gifts Given to Teachers

Giving a small gift is a common way for students to express gratitude in China. While gift-giving is entirely optional, when done thoughtfully, it is warmly received. Common gifts include:

• Flowers, especially carnations or chrysanthemums

• Handwritten thank-you notes or calligraphy works

• Books, bookmarks, or custom-made stationery

• Small craft projects made by students

Expensive gifts, money, or anything that could be seen as a form of bribery is discouraged—especially in public schools and by government-regulated education policies. The best approach is to give something personal and symbolic, reflecting genuine appreciation.

Cultural Etiquette for Foreign Learners to Understand

For foreigners studying or teaching in China, or for those learning Chinese online with native teachers, observing Teachers' Day is a great way to connect with the cultural values of education and respect.

Some key points to keep in mind:

• A respectful greeting (especially in Mandarin) goes a long way: saying “Jiàoshī jié kuàilè!” (Happy Teachers’ Day!) is often enough.

• A handwritten card or short video message showing progress in Chinese can be more meaningful than physical gifts.

• Silence is not considered rude—but acknowledging the day, even briefly, shows cultural mindfulness and courtesy.

Celebrating Teachers’ Day offers a valuable way to engage with Chinese customs while deepening your own learning experience. 

III. Teachers’ Day in China and Chinese Language Learning

Teachers’ Day is not only a meaningful cultural event in China but also an excellent context for practicing real, respectful communication in Mandarin. One of the most important ways to acknowledge Teachers’ Day is through sincere words. Below is a table of essential phrases commonly used by students in China on this day.

These expressions are appropriate for both written and spoken use. You can include them in a thank-you card, send them in a WeChat message, or say them directly if you’re in class.

Even saying a short phrase like “教师节快乐” with the correct pronunciation and confidence can leave a lasting impression on your teacher.

Useful Vocabulary Related to Teachers’ Day

Beyond full phrases, it’s helpful to understand individual words that often appear in messages, essays, or lesson content related to Teachers’ Day. Use these as building blocks for your own sentences.

Using these words, you can create simple sentences like:

• 我想写一张贺卡给我的老师。
  Wǒ xiǎng xiě yì zhāng hèkǎ gěi wǒ de lǎoshī.
  I want to write a greeting card for my teacher.

• 教师节是一个表达感谢的好机会。
  Jiàoshī jié shì yí gè biǎodá gǎnxiè de hǎo jīhuì.
  Teachers’ Day is a great opportunity to express gratitude.

Encouraging yourself to use this vocabulary around September 10—whether it’s in class, messages, or self-practice—can connect your learning to real-world moments. Not only will you sound more natural, but you'll also engage with a core part of Chinese social values.

Above is the full article by PREP on how to understand and appreciate Teachers’ Day in China in both cultural and language-learning contexts. We hope this guide helps you gain insight into the traditions behind this national celebration, learn how to express thanks in Mandarin, and feel more confident using Chinese in meaningful moments with your teachers. Keep exploring with PREP to strengthen your Chinese and connect more deeply with the culture behind the language.